Ryabkov stresses Moscow didn’t discuss any US “plan B” on Syria

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov affirmed that Moscow has not discussed any “Plan B” on Syria with the US.

“We know nothing about any ‘Plan B’, no one has discussed it with us, we are working on the strengthening of the ceasefire regime,” he said on Wednesday commenting on an article published by The Wall Street Journal newspaper about Washington’s “Plan B” for Syria published on April 12.

According to the newspaper, Syrian “moderate” opposition groups could be supplied with U.S. antiaircraft weapons if the cessation of hostilities, holding in the country since February 27, collapses.

• “If ‘Plan B’ actually exists in the form of a shift to possible military operations, this is a cause for profound concern and disappointment,” added Ryabkov.

“Hopefully, it does not exist,” he said.

Ryabkov pointed out that the Syrian government has the right to respond to the actions of terrorists, saying “Yes, unfortunately, once again the talks are starting, that the cessation of hostilities is unstable, that there are risks of failure.”

“We, unfortunately, see that in some areas in Syria al-Nusra Front and groups linked to it are on offensive. It is understandable that the government forces cannot avoid responding in these conditions. There is no violation of the ceasefire here,” he said.
 [sana.sy]
13/4/16
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